Silene - Japanese Silene
Common Names: Silene, Japanese Silene, Catchfly, Campion
Botanical names: Silene armeria
Availability: Spring and summer
Vase life: 5 to 10 days
Storage temperatures: 34 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Small dainty flowers with five slender petals, often adorned with subtile, intricate patterns or markings arranged symmetrically around a tubular or bell-shaped structure. The foliage consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stems.
Color: Pink, White
Botanical facts: Member of the Caryophyllaceae (pink family) with common relatives including carnation, sweet William, Gypsophila, chickweed and soapwort.
Design notes: The slender stems and clusters of small blooms provide a delicate and airy texture to floral arrangements. These blooms can add movement and lightness to designs, creating a soft and romantic aesthetic. Japanese Silene works well as a filler flower in mixed bouquets and arrangements, adding volume and depth to the design. Its small blooms can fill in gaps between larger flowers and foliage, creating a lush and textured look.
Purchasing hints: Purchase flowers with open blossoms and turgid undamaged foliage.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: One notable feature of many Silene species is their ability to produce a sticky substance on their stems and leaves, which acts as a natural insect trap, particularly for small flying insects like gnats and mosquitoes. This sticky secretion gives rise to the common name "catchflies."
Video Demonstration: